Forest Side Hotel

Forest Side Hotel in Grasmere, United Kingdom, a Michelin Key One-Key property, consistently garners high praise for its luxurious offerings, exceptional dining, and picturesque setting in the Lake District.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Forest Side Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, often described as a "magical retreat" and a "true Cumbrian jewel". Guests consider it a high-end destination perfect for a luxurious getaway, balancing a historical gothic mansion exterior with a modern, sophisticated interior. The entire experience, from arrival to departure, is frequently lauded as spectacular.

2. Key Highlights

• Service & Staff: Consistently highlighted as "super friendly and helpful," "amazing staff," and "pro and personable". Staff are noted for their personal touches and ability to combine professionalism with informality.
• Location: Nestled in the stunning countryside of Grasmere, the hotel offers a secluded yet accessible location overlooking mountains and gardens. It's described as a "fairy-tale" spot, ideal for exploring the Lake District, with attractions like Grasmere village and Wordsworth's Daffodil Garden nearby.
• Design: The hotel masterfully blends its Victorian Gothic architecture with contemporary elegance. The interior design, by James Mackie, is praised for its "understated luxury," high-end finishes, and rustic details, with a theme of "bringing the outdoors in" through natural inspiration and pops of color. Recycled materials, such as dining tables made from original floorboards, add to its unique charm.
• Amenities: Forest Side offers 43 acres of grounds and gardens, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary parking. Pet-friendly rooms are available, complete with treats, beds, and towels for an additional charge. The hotel also provides facilities for guests with mobility issues, including wheelchair accessibility in the restaurant, bar, and lounge.

3. Room Quality

Forest Side features 20 generously sized rooms, categorized as 'Cosy,' 'Superb,' and 'Master'. Rooms are designed for high-end comfort, featuring custom-made, fleece-stuffed Harrison Spinks beds, and carpets made with local Herdwick sheep wool. The interior often employs luxurious wallpapers and textiles by Zoffany and a generally neutral palette with French-style furniture. Master suites, in particular, are spacious with large windows offering "postcard-perfect views" of woodlands and mountains. Bathrooms are well-appointed, often featuring large walk-in showers and deep bathtubs, sleek fixtures, and natural Bramley bath products. Some rooms include four-poster beds and canopies, adding to a traditional and romantic feel.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant is a significant draw, led by Chef Paul Leonard, who is celebrated for his creative approach to modern cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on using exceptionally fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, with 90% often sourced within 10 miles, including produce from the hotel's own kitchen garden. Guests can choose between four- or eight-course tasting menus for dinner, described as "amazing," "stellar," and offering "top-quality ingredients cooked superbly". The dining room itself is a "light and airy space" overlooking the grounds, with bespoke tables made from reclaimed timber. Breakfast is also highly praised, with options like a hearty Cumbrian breakfast, excellent porridge, and variations on eggs Benedict, served in a less formal but equally good setting.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Forest Side is consistently rated as excellent. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "super friendly and helpful," "amazing," and "pro and personable". Reviewers note their attentiveness, warmth, and ability to provide personal touches. Staff are also helpful in providing information and maps for local walks. The team is described as having "hospitality lark sewn up," combining professionalism with informality.

6. Location & Accessibility

Forest Side Hotel is situated in Grasmere, a picturesque village in the heart of the Lake District, known for its literary connections to William Wordsworth and opportunities for rambling. The hotel itself is tucked away from the main road, set within 43 acres of woodlands and gardens, providing a tranquil and scenic environment. It's within walking distance of Grasmere village, offering access to attractions like the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop and picturesque cottages around Lake Grasmere. While providing a secluded feel, it is also noted as a good base for exploring the wider Lake District. The hotel offers free private parking on site and has wheelchair access to the restaurant, bar, and guest lounge.

7. Value & Pricing

Forest Side Hotel is considered a luxury experience, and pricing reflects this. An overnight stay with breakfast can start from approximately £299 per night, with doubles starting around £209 including breakfast, and £299 with dinner. While expensive, many guests believe the overall experience, especially the food and service, makes it worthwhile, describing it as a "huge treat". Some reviews suggest that while lunch at the Michelin-star restaurant is great, some have had better food experiences for the price.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Room Comfort: A few guests have mentioned that pillows/beds were "not as comfortable as the property deserves". One guest also found their room in the loft with tiny windows to feel "a bit claustrophobic" and lacking views, despite being spacious. Another described a room as "small and stuffy".
• Air Conditioning: During unseasonably warm temperatures, some rooms were reported to be very hot at night due to a lack of air conditioning. However, another review noted air conditioning was "perfectly pitched".
• Lack of Lift: One guest found it unacceptable to carry suitcases and a child up to the third floor due to the absence of a lift.
• Minor Inconveniences: Isolated issues included being asked to move tables in an empty bar and a lack of an eye-level shelf in a walk-in shower for toiletries. A very short kettle lead necessitating boiling on the floor was also mentioned.
• Service Follow-up: One instance of a lack of follow-up regarding a lost AirPod was reported.
• Tasting Menu Portions: The 8-course tasting menu occasionally received feedback that portions were "too minimal".

Sources

1. theforestside.com
2. confidentials.com
3. finnteriordesigner.com
4. wanderlustchloe.com
5. booking.com
6. eatingthenorth.com
7. independent.co.uk
8. tripreporter.co.uk
9. tablethotels.com
10. holidayhomeslakedistrict.com
11. aluxurytravelblog.com
12. michelin.com
13. mrandmrssmith.com
14. hoteldesigns.net
15. booking.com
16. cumbriafoodie.com
17. hardens.com
18. theforestside.com